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Strawberry Crackle Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 57 reviews

This Delicious Strawberry Crackle Salad is a refreshing and crunchy dessert salad featuring a sweet and buttery pretzel-pecan crust combined with creamy whipped cream cheese and fresh strawberries. It offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it an ideal treat for summer gatherings or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust and Topping

  • 2 cups crushed pretzels
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup butter, melted

Salad Filling

  • 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 16 oz Cool Whip (whipped topping)
  • 4 cups sliced fresh strawberries

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pretzel Mixture: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, chopped pecans, and brown sugar. Pour in the melted butter and stir thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and evenly coated.
  2. Bake and Cool Pretzel Crunch: Spread the pretzel mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the mixture is bubbling and fragrant. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. After cooling, break the mixture into small crunchy pieces for topping.
  3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the Cool Whip to create a light, fluffy filling. Cover the bowl and refrigerate until you are ready to assemble the salad.
  4. Assemble the Salad: Just before serving, fold the sliced strawberries and half of the pretzel crunch gently into the cream cheese mixture, distributing them evenly. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle the remaining pretzel crunch on top for added texture and visual appeal. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp crunchiness.

Notes

  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to ensure a smooth filling.
  • Cool the pretzel mixture completely before mixing with the filling to maintain crunch.
  • This salad is best served the same day to keep the pretzel crunch crisp.
  • You can substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream if preferred.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but the pretzel crunch may soften over time.

Keywords: Strawberry Crackle Salad, Cream Cheese Salad, Pretzel Salad, Dessert Salad, Sweet Salad, Party Salad

Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/strawberry-crackle-salad-recipe/